News & Consultation

The News and Consultation section contains a range of options to keep people informed on current projects and activities, news items, publications; and opportunities for consultation and input into important decisions.

This is the most regularly changing section of the website - with the latest information. Stay informed by regularly visiting this page.

Buloke Releases Advocacy Document

16 March 2018 Buloke Shire Council continues to advocate for its community ahead of this year’s state election by outlining priority projects in a key document.

March Meeting Wrap

16 March 2018 At its March Ordinary Meeting, Buloke Shire Council adopted its Domestic Animal Management Plan, noted progress against the Annual Plan, voted to convene a meeting with stakeholders to address the competing priorities around native vegetation and will provide feedback to Local Government Victoria on its proposed Local Government Act.

Community Update

Recycling Crisis

Buloke Shire Council has been affected by the decision of
recycling firms earlier this week to no longer accept recyclable material. In
the last 48 hours, Council have worked closely with our kerbside contractor,
Four Seasons Waste, to explore other alternatives. Four Seasons Waste has been
able to secure a short term agreement with Polytrade to accept our recyclable
material and therefore recycling services, including kerbside collection and
disposal at transfer stations, will continue as normal.

We ask our residents to continue recycling as normal as
collection services remain unchanged at this time.

We are working with the Victorian Government and industry as
a matter for urgency to respond to the issues posed by the China restrictions
on recycling, to ensure there is minimal impact our residents.

Get Involved in Building Buloke 2030

Buloke Shire Council will have its eye on the future as it works with communities across the Shire to devise community plans for each of its ten townships. Building Buloke 2030 will focus on working with communities to update current community plans with a focus on liveability and economic development in the current rural environment.

The project is supported by a grant from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. The fund focuses on creating jobs, driving economic growth and building up strong regional communities for the future.

Community members are invited to share their views on what they love about where they live, current and future challenges as well as opportunities for the future in their community. Drop in sessions and community workshops will be held in each township across February and March as follows:

Buloke Shire Council is committed to excellent community consultation. Our mission is to work with the community to provide a supportive and positive environment enabling them to work to achieve satisfying and productive lives.

If you can’t make our face to face sessions you can still be highly active in the project. You can also take the online survey at https://oursay.org/buloke

Council Extends its Pool Season

8 March 2018 Council last night agreed to extend its pool season in line with its Cold Weather Policy.

The policy enabled Council to bank days where the weather was cold over summer and the local pool did not open or the pool was closed due to staffing unavailability. Wycheproof’s delayed start to the season due to the change room redevelopment was also captured under the policy.

The new season close dates are as follows:

Wycheproof to close on Thursday 22 March 2018.

Birchip, Charlton, Donald and Watchem to close on Thursday 15 March 2018.

Unfortunately due to staffing unavailability Berriwillock and Sea Lake will close as per normal on Monday 12 March 2018.

If you have any queries about the new closing dates or the Cold Weather Policy, call Council on 1300 520 520.

Buloke's Big Builds

2 March 2018Buloke Shire Council is rolling up its sleeves to start delivering on the projects funded over the last few months. Council currently has a growing list of tenders open as it looks to realise many exciting projects Shire wide.

A Month With The Mayor

Councils All Aboard For Passenger Rail

23 February 2018 Buloke Shire Council is banding together with neighbouring Councils Mildura Rural City Council and Yarriambiack Shire Council to advocate for the return of passenger rail services to the area following a meeting in Ouyen on Tuesday 13 February.

February Meeting Wrap

22 February 2018 At its February Ordinary Meeting, Buloke Shire Council endorsed its submission to the inquiry into VicRoads Management of Country Roads, voted to request authorisation to rezone parcels of land at local recreational lakes, noted progress of its major projects, motioned to make a submission to the Essential Services Commission on water pricing for recreational water and appointed dual acting CEO’s for the duration of the recruiting process for a replacement for the departing CEO Lucy Roffey.

Green Lake Progressing

8 February 2018 The Bringing Water Back to Green Lake Project is gaining momentum. The project, which will address the significant seepage issues at the lake, will deliver the Sea Lake and district community its only recreational water option back to them. The lake has its own water allocation and well maintained and utilised amenities already in place.

Australia Day Awards 2018

29 January 2018 Robyn Ferrier (Citizen of the Year), Keniesha Ryan (Young Citizen of the Year) and the Birchip Mallee Bull Pacing Cup 2017 have been honoured at Australia Day celebrations across Buloke on Friday 26 January.

CEO Takes New Opportunity

23 January 2018 The Chief Executive Officer of the Buloke Shire Council Lucy Roffey has given notice of her resignation to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer at Central Goldfields Shire.

Lucy was appointed in December 2016 to continue the work of ensuring the ongoing financial sustainability of Council and provide a greater focus for the organisation on community based consultation and decision making. A key element of this work was the alignment of Council with the community in developing a new four year Council Plan. The Buloke 2030 Integrated Community Plan that is underway will ensure that community engagement remains the focus for Council in 2018.

Vale Vin Sait

16 January 2018Former Shire of Charlton Councillor Vin Sait passed away on Sunday 14 January 2018. Vin served as Councillor on the Shire of Charlton for 4 years between 1991and 1995. Vin also worked for Buloke Shire Council between 2001 and 2011 as a medium plant operator.

“Vin’s focus was always on community and family. He gave so much of his time to different community organisations in addition to be a Councillor of the Shire of Charlton; including the Charlton Show Committee, and Calder Highway Improvement Committee. Vin was always striving to improve life in the area. He was a proud family man always speaking about his children and grandchildren. Our thoughts are with his family at this time”, said Mayor Cr David Pollard.

Vin Sait’s funeral will be held on Friday 19 January 2018. Flags will be flown at half-mast at Council offices on the day.

Yeungroon Road to be Rehabilitated

15 December 2017 Buloke Shire Council has awarded the reconstruction of the Yeungroon Road pavement to local business Greg’s Digging.

December Meeting Wrap

15 December 2017 At its December Ordinary Meeting, Buloke Shire Council awarded the tender for the reconstruction of the Yeungroon Road pavement, adopted its updated Kerbside Waste and Collection Policy, endorsed the Mallee Regional Floodplain Management Strategy and awarded more than $22,500 in community grants.

Lake Tyrrell Outdoor Tourism Infrastructure Concept Designs

8 December 2017 Buloke Shire Council is developing plans for outdoor tourism infrastructure at Lake Tyrrell.

The proposed infrastructure includes but is not limited to public toilets, a picnic shelter, a viewing platform, boardwalk/jetty, car and bus parking with turnaround facilities for buses/large vehicles, access tracks and associated tourism signage.

The designs are available below and any feedback can be provided by email to buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au until 5.00pm Friday 15 December 2017.

Office Closure

Council’s Wycheproof Office will be closed for face to face customer service after 2.30pm on Friday 8 December 2017.
For urgent matters during this time please call Council on 1300 520 520.
The Wycheproof Office will reopen as normal at 8.30am Monday 11 December 2017.

Oliver Walks Away With The Prize

1 December 2017 With funding from VicHealth for the Walk to School Local Area Marketing program, Buloke Shire Council ran a “Design a Shoe” competition to help spread the ‘get active’ message and create some fun interaction around the benefits of walking to school.

Vale Donald McNaughton

30 November 2017 Former Shire of Wycheproof Councillor Donald McNaughton passed away this week. Donald served on the Shire of Wycheproof Council for 21 years between 1964 and 1985.

Donald farmed land around the Wycheproof South and Narraport areas and served as Shire President during his time on Council. He was a Justice of the Peace, a prominent Lions Club member and also a former President and Life Member of the Mt. Wycheproof and District Racing Club.

“Donald was a well-liked and respected man, always generous with his time. His time on the Shire of Wycheproof was both long and distinguished. His leadership was pivotal in the constriction of the Wycheproof Senior Citizens Hall, which he officially opened as Shire President in 1970. Our thoughts are with his wife Thelma and his family at this time”, said Mayor Cr David Pollard.

Flags will be flown at half-mast at Council offices on Monday 4 December to honour Donald on the day of his funeral.

Vale Oswald Sanderson

23 November 2017Former Shire of Charlton Councillor Oswald (Os) Sanderson passed away this week. Os Sanderson served on the Shire of Charlton Council for 36 years between 1951 and 1987.

A World War II veteran, Os farmed land on Sandy Lane near Coonooer Bridge, land that remains in his family today.

“Os was a very community orientated man who served Charlton and district far beyond just his 36 years on Council. He was instrumental in the construction of both the Charlton Shire Hall and Coonooer Bridge Community Centre and many other Council initiatives. Our thoughts are with his wife Gladys and family at this time”, said Mayor Cr David Pollard.

Flags will be flown at half-mast at Council offices on the day of Os Sanderson’s funeral.

Donald Facility Receives Funding Boost

14 November 2017 Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford has again visited Buloke on Friday 10 November bringing further good news when she announced $1.1 million of funding from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund and the Community Sports Infrastructure Fundtowards the Donald Multipurpose Community Facility Redevelopment.

Pollard Re-elected as Mayor

November Meeting Wrap

9 November 2017 At its November Ordinary Meeting, Buloke Shire Council noted its progress against the Annual Plan, adopted the Municipal Emergency Management Plan and has resolved to submit for the funding of key roads under the Local Roads to Market Program amongst a busy agenda.

Sea Lake Hotel Update

8 November 2017 The Sea Lake Hotel, which was destroyed by fire in April of this year, continues to be of concern to the Sea Lake community.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued the landowner with a Clean Up Notice for the safe management and removal of the waste including asbestos from the site. Also outlined in the notice is the ongoing monitoring of the site which is being undertaken by the landowner.

The landowner is currently working through the options available with their insurance company.

Buloke Shire Council continues to work with the EPA in relation to the status of the land and voice the community concerns about the impact it is having, including on main street development and tourism.

If community members have any concerns about the site and its clean-up, they should direct them to the EPA on 1300 372 842.

Are You Lifeguard Material?

3 November 2017 Buloke Shire Council’s swimming pool season kicks off on Friday 10 November for another summer of free family friendly fun.

Six of Council’s seven pools are ready for the upcoming season. Only Wycheproof will have a delay to the start of its season with new change room facilities slated for completion for the pool to open on Monday 20 November.

Council is proud to offer its pools as a free service to the community and has an excellent group of pool lifeguards who suit up year after year to keep the pools open. Have you considered becoming a lifeguard this summer?

Charlton 2020 to be Realised

27 October 2017 The final piece of the funding puzzle for the Charlton Park 2020 project was placed when Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford announced $1.5 million dollars of State Government funding for the project in Charlton on Friday.

Lights to Burn Brighter in Sea Lake

24 October 2017 Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp has announced $80,000 of State Government funding for the Sea Lake Nandaly Football Netball Club to upgrade lighting at the community centre oval.

October Meeting Wrap

13 October 2017At its October Ordinary Meeting, Buloke Shire Council endorsed; the AFL Central Victoria Regional Facilities Strategy, allocated more than $18,000 from its Community and Sustainability Grants Funds, set its 2017/18 swimming pool season, received the 2016/17 Annual Report, adopted the Roadside Weed and Rabbit Control Plan and lent its support to the 2030 Greater Victoria Commonwealth Games Bid Project.

Economic Development and Tourism Strategy Consultation

Economic Development and Tourism Strategy Consultation Street Ryan and Associates and Insight Communications will be seeking feedback to assist Council in producing an Economic Development and Tourism Strategy.

The strategy will identify opportunities, and constraints to in each industry sector and will guide the Shire’s work program in economic development.

As part of this project, we are meeting with specific businesses and town groups to compile business profiles and outlooks for towns, and to collect ideas on economic development issues and future opportunities.

You can also have your say by completing either of the following surveys:

Building Buloke 2030 Funded

10 October 2017 Federal Member for Mallee Andrew Broad MP was in Wycheproof on Monday 9 October where he formally announced funding of $90,000 for the Building Buloke 2030 project under Round 1 of the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

September Ordinary Meeting Wrap

15 September 2017 At its September Ordinary Meeting, Buloke Shire Council adopted its Financial Statements and Performance Statement for the previous financial year, nominated the members of the Library Advisory Committee and endorsed the Major Projects Pipeline amongst a full agenda last Wednesday night. A notice of motion to reaffirm Council’s commitment to Marriage Equality was also heard.

Book Your Place on Advisory Committee

18 August 2017Buloke is transitioning to a new Library Service from 1 July 2018. The service will be fully delivered directly by Council.

Council is seeking community members’ input through a Buloke Library Advisory Committee. The key role of the committee will be to assist with the identification of local matters likely to impact on direct management of library services and the best solutions for these issues.

Facilities Officially Open

15 August 2017Home games for Nullawil and Sea Lake Nandaly were the perfect backdrop for the official openings of sporting facility upgrades on Saturday 12 August. Mayor, Cr David Pollard opened the facilities to excited competitors, officials and spectators.

Buloke Lakes to Blossom

2 August 2017Three of Buloke Shire Council’s recreational lakes will undergo significant rejuvenation after it was announced on Wednesday 2 August that the Federal Government will partner with Council to deliver a $980,000 project.

New Facilities to be Opened

1 August 2017 Two recent sporting facility upgrades in Nullawil and Sea Lake will be officially opened in Buloke on Saturday 12 August as part of Golden Rivers League and North Central League fixtures.

Community Transport for Charlton

Work Begins on Change Rooms

3 July 2017Works will commence this week on the upgrade to the Wycheproof Pool change room facility beginning with the demolition of the old facility.

Council awarded the contract for this project to Noonan Builders at its Ordinary Meeting on 14 June 2017 and has received funding from both the Federal Government ($200,000) and State Government ($200,000) for the new change rooms.

“As the old facility is removed there will be a noticeable change in how the sporting precinct in Wycheproof looks. It will be a short term hole in the visual appearance of the area but we will soon have an exciting new facility for all to enjoy”, said Mayor, Cr David Pollard.

Work on the new change facility is expected to be completed in time for the pool season later in the year.

Council Plan Adopted

23 June 2017
Buloke Shire Council’s Council Plan 2017 -2021 was adopted
at a Special Meeting of Council on 21 June 2017.

The Council Plan is developed every four years by Council
and reviewed annually. It is a collaborative project between Councillors and
the community, identifying the key themes and strategic initiatives that
Council will pursue through our work, decisions and efforts.

Budget Adopted

23 June 2017 Buloke Shire Council’s 2017-18 Annual Budget was adopted at a Special Meeting of Council on 21 June 2017. The budget details the resources required over the next year to fund the large range of services provided to the community. It also includes the capital expenditure to improve and renew our roads, buildings and recreational facilities.

Council Adopts Hardship Policy

20 June 2017 Council has adopted its Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy at its June Ordinary Meeting. The policy will assist ratepayers that are experiencing financial difficulty to pay their outstanding rates and charges.

Satisfaction Rising

20 June 2017 Buloke Shire Council is taking a balanced view to recent Customer Satisfaction Survey results. Whilst the overall performance rating lifted, there is much work still to be done. The main objective of the survey is to assess the performance of Council across a range of measures and to seek ways to improve service delivery.

Buloke Bucks Winners!

Our winners are: Lisa Perry of Charlton, John and Barbara Bryant of Berriwillock , William Russ of Wycheproof and Jamie Onley and Rebecca Sweatman of Charlton.

Rate payers who chose to pay their rates either by four instalments, by nine direct debit payments or paid their rates in full before the close of the first instalment went into the draw to win one of four prizes of $500 to be spent at the local business of their choice.

McLean in Queen's Birthday Honours

13 June 2017 Former Buloke Shire Council Mayor Stuart McLean’s contribution to the Buloke community and beyond has been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Mr McLean has been awarded the MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA in the general division for his service to the community and local government.

Let's Build Child Literacy Skills

2 June 2017 Recent surveys indicate that one in two Buloke children is below the expected level of oral language development. Buloke Shire Council in collaboration with Mallee Family Care and early years professionals are taking on the cause of improving oral language development and literacy amongst children in the Early Years across Buloke head on by establishing an Early Years Network.

Court Works Completed

19 May 2017 Works to upgrade two netball/tennis courts at the Sea Lake Community Centre have been completed.

The design and resurfacing of the courts has increased the run off area bringing the playing surface into line with Netball Victoria requirements and providing a safer arena for competitors. New lighting has also been installed to training standards.

Council Plan Adopted for Submission

19 May 2017 Buloke Shire Council has endorsed its Council Plan 2017-2021 and invites submissions from the community. The Council Plan is a vital strategic document which sets out the goals and priorities for Council over the next four years.

Acknowledge Community Contributors

27 April 2017 The search is on for individuals, businesses and community groups that are making a difference in our local community through the annual Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

Planning Scheme Amendment C27- Donald and Charlton Floodway Overlays

Following the recent completion of the works on the Charlton-St. Arnaud Road and at the request of Planning Panels Victoria, we are advising the Charlton community that Council and the North Central Catchment Management Authority will be recommending that the Panel adopts the alternate map being Map 3 for the Charlton Township.

Following Community consultation over the exhibited Amendment C27, letters were sent out to properties showing:

Map 1– the existing overlay controls in Charlton for Land Subject to Inundation and Floodway.

Community Forum Summit a Success

13 April 2017Community members from across Buloke met with Councillors and Council Officers in Wycheproof on Monday night at Buloke Shire Council’s latest Community Forum Summit. The summit is designed to give community forums an opportunity to discuss their community’s priorities informing the priorities in the annual budget and council plan.

Culgoa Bin Bank

13 April 2017After the closure of the Culgoa landfill in December last year a bin bank was established in the township. This is to be in place for a period of at least 12 months with a review of the measure to take place in December of this year.

The bin bank is in place to cater for household rubbish and recyclables primarily for farm residents who do not have access to the kerbside pick-up service. The dumping of hard rubbish or green waste is not permitted. Any items too large to be placed into the provided bins are to be taken to the nearest landfill or transfer station in Birchip, Sea Lake or Wycheproof. Bins are continually being added or reduced depending on usage to ensure local resident’s needs are met.

Signage has been erected at the bin bank site to clearly outline appropriate use and to assist the local community. There is also helpful signage that explains which items can be recycled.

Charlton Flood Levee Consultation Extended

7 April 2017 Council has extended the period of public consultation for the proposed Charlton levee and associated flood mitigation works until Friday, 28 April 2017.

Fruit Fly Bites

23 March 2017
Council is continuing to receive numerous requests in
relation to fruit fly instances. Buloke Shire sits outside the fruit fly exclusion
zone, so there is no state governmentfunding to
address the situation.

Stay Safe in a Power Outage

As the summer heat continues, the Victorian Government’s summer campaign, Your Guide to Power Outages, is seeking to help Victorians keep safe during a power outage in bushfires and extreme weather conditions.

While Victoria has very reliable electricity supply, power outages can happen – particularly during heatwaves, bushfires and grassfires.

Buloke Shares in Funding

16 February 2017 Four Buloke communities have shared in $2.3 million dollars of funding announced by the State Government to help drought proof recreational facilities. These announcements are in addition to previous funding commitments to the Charlton and Donald Recreation Reserves.

Buloke Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

Won't Somebody Please Think of the Children?

14 December 2016 Buloke Shire Council’s childcare discussion session held on Tuesday, 13 December enjoyed an excellent attendance and has thrown up many key points as Council looks to advocate on behalf of families.

Donald Weir Pool Update

13 December 2016 Donald Weir Pool project works are continuing with the installation of two groundwater monitoring bores. The bores, located at the Buloke Shire depot and near the Donald Weir, were installed last week by Watson Drilling.

November Meeting Wrap

15 November 2016Buloke Shire Council’s November Ordinary Meeting was the first for the newly sworn in Council.

Council resolved to submit a funding application of $100,000 for the Donald Recreation Reserve. Amongst other agenda items, the Domestic Wastewater Management Plan was adopted, a request to seek authorisation for a proposed planning scheme amendment was approved and an expression of interest application was endorsed for shade upgrades to four of Council’s swimming pools.

Buloke Major Towns Streetscape Draft Masterplans

News Archive

Rural Living Campaign

Buloke Shire Council in north-central Victoria launched the Rural Living campaign to seek recognition at top government level that unless rural people have access to a basic suite of services, we will see our communities become more and more unliveable. In Buloke Shire and many other rural Victorian shires, our residents are disadvantaged compared to their city counterparts because we simply cannot deliver the level of services they are entitled to. RURAL LIVING seeks agreement to the concept that all Victorians, including the residents of small rural shires, are worthy of a specific minimum set of service levels.